How to Save Thousands in a Year

If your living paycheck to paycheck or just getting by paying bills and maybe you eat out a couple times a week and see a movie now and then. Your savings and checking accounts are so slim the numbers would only look good if you were playing golf. Don't you think its time to make a few simple changes that will give you less now that you don't really need to live and then become more in the long run. Here's 5 changes to make right now and by the end of the year you can say thank you and buy me an ice cream, just kidding. Start with these tips and put the extra money in your account before you spend it.

#1 Get rid of that 2nd or 3rd car. You'll instantly save on insurance and gas along with costly maintenance and repairs. Share a car or ride a bike or take public transportation. If you don't like that then think of another brilliant idea, you have some intelligence. It is estimated that it costs each car owned around $9,000 per year to own and operate and maintain their vehicle.

#2 Don't buy name brand food. I've tried many many generic foods and they taste almost like the name brand. Some actually taste better. They often save you 20% or more. There are generics for almost everything these days. What happens is a product is invented and they own the rights for a few years then another company can basically copy it and just changing around a few things and the name of course.

#3 Eat out once or twice per week, but if you have to more often then use coupons such as Entertainment book, Sunday local newspaper coupons and don't over eat. Ordering 2 Triple Cheeseburgers, french fries and a large coke. Then a cookie for dessert is enough to feed probably 2 or even 3 people. Its just too much fat and you don't need that.

#4 Get some insurance estimates. You think I'm kidding, well I've had the same insurance company for 8 years and at the time I got several quotes and he was the cheapest best deal. Now, I checked out 4 other companies and to my surprise they were all cheaper than the one I had. So, if you have known your insurance guy for years and they are so nice to you and help you with your broken window or smashed up car well let me tell you that's their job so don't think you are getting anything extra. The one company I got a quote from was $200 cheaper not to mention if I went to a driver safety class I would save even more for the next 2 or 3 years which is worth it.

#5 Pay bills online or sign up for automatic payment from your checking account. Do this for all the important things you pay for and need to live everyday such as mortgage, electric, gas, water, phone and cable. With the price of a book of stamps now at $8.80 and on the rise you'll continue to add up the savings. Be aware of how many bills your bank will allow you to pay online some have limits of 6 payments per month. On holidays, make a phone call or send an ecard. Even send them a giftcard instead of paying $10 or more just to ship the item.

Using these simple tips could save you thousands per year and get you out of that hole you've been sinking in ever since the economy slipped. Start doing what you can now and see the results as soon as next month.